Dear Sun Spots: I have had a personal computer for about 14 months. In all that time, I know how to start it, shut it off and play solitaire.

Wouldn’t it be very nice if you and the Sun Journal ran a column about PCs three or four times a week, starting from the moment you open the box.

I am sure I’m not the only one who would like to learn more about these monsters. Love your daily column. – Computer Dud, Dixfield.

Answer: Sun Spots commiserates with you. My first experience I was also terrified of computers. I got through it. You might want to check with your local adult education offices to see if they offer any such courses that would help take the fear away. In addition, you might want to check out the Jim Coates’ weekly column “Ask Jim,” which offers computer tips and appears in the Business section of the Sun Journal on Sunday. You can reach him at [email protected] or at the Chicago Tribune, Room 400, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611 with any questions.

Dear Sun Spots: You are so helpful to people. I hope you can give me some information on two items we need help with.

My husband built a grandfather clock. It is beautiful, but it decided to stop. We can’t get a tick out of it anymore. Do you know where we might have it repaired or someone who makes house calls?

Also, we have a pair of men’s Bass floater boots. The inside ankle zipper of one is broken. This is the third zipper we’ve replaced. There are no cobblers around. Where are you, Tommy LaRue, when I need you? (Bethel’s premier cobbler 50-plus years ago.) Where can we find another? – Mary Berry, Bethel.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots has the following list for grandfather clock repair:

Contact Rohman Clockworks at 721 Lake St., Auburn, which does repairs on antique and modern clocks, including cuckoo clocks and grandfather clocks. For more information or to set up an appointment with them, please call (207) 784-1211.

In addition, you may want to contact Hutchins Jewelers, 31 Green St., Norway, (207) 743-2891. They are open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, you could contact Fred Ricker, 3 Hilltop Drive, York (207) 363-3143.

Regarding you second question about cobblers: Sun Spots is aware of Shoe Renu on Maine Street (in Fort Andross) in Brunswick, (207) 725-8557. They are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They also repair leather coats and replace zippers, such as the work you’re seeking, as well as repair shoes and regular footwear.

Dear Sun Spots: A few days ago we watched a movie on television called “Yesterday’s Children,” about a woman from Allentown, Pa., who had visions of a former life in Ireland. We were wondering if you could please find out if there was a book written about this and what the title would be? I have checked with local bookstores; they have some by that title, but could not tell me if this was the same story. I would also like to be able to find the VHS movie, but have had no luck. Any help with these two questions would be appreciated. We read your column every day. Thank you. – J.B., Lewiston.

Answer: The movie, starring Jane Seymour, is based upon the book “Across Time And Death” by Jenny Cockell published in 1994. The movie tells the story of Jenny Cockell, a happily married American architect, suddenly experiencing recurring dreams about a woman named Mary living in a small Irish village with her four children and abusive husband.

You might want to check in with: Pepperell Books at (207) 344-6900; The Page Turner and Pages Already Turned, 247 Lisbon St., Lewiston, (207) 753-1112, and Artios Books at 180 Turner St., Auburn, (207) 786-4007, which may be able to locate this book for you. And perhaps there is a reader out there who may have taped this movie and would be willing to share a copy with you.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].